Authorities in northwestern Pakistan have arrested a Christian man accused of desecrating the Muslim holy book, the Koran.

Police say the alleged incident took place late Tuesday in the town of Nowshehra, some 40 kilometers east of Peshawar. They say the man was detained after his neighbors complained he was burning pages from the Koran.

A mob of angry Muslims took to the streets after the arrest and demanded quick punishment for the man. Some people in the crowd attacked a nearby Hindu temple. Police arrested at least five people for rioting.

Under Pakistani law, insults to Islam, the Prophet Mohammad or the Koran are considered blasphemy, and are punishable by death.